"Špilberk shows that even a 13th-century landmark can be illuminated with 21st-century sensitivity – wirelessly, efficiently, and with a colorful scene at a click."
Špilberk Castle – a dominant feature of the city of Brno, a cultural and historical centerpiece of exceptional significance. Visible from afar, featured on postcards and promotional materials, this landmark deserves an extraordinary approach – in both aesthetics and technology. The lighting system underwent a major upgrade thanks to Datmolux, using the IQRF® wireless mesh technology.
|
Parameter |
Original State |
After Reconstruction |
Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Number of lights |
70 metal-halide |
96 LED (RGBW) |
+26 lights, 0 km of new data cables |
|
System power input |
18,450 W |
12,788 W |
–31% immediate energy savings |
|
Control |
None |
IQRF® mesh + DATMO RVO |
Centralized control via TSB dispatch |
|
Color scenes |
Complex RGB equipment replacement needed |
“Click-&-play”: tricolor, support for events in 5 s |
Fewer interventions, no RGBW rental costs |
|
City investment |
– |
CZK 4.9 million |
< 5 years return on investment (savings + maintenance) |
The Challenge
TSB a.s., the operator of public lighting in Brno, faced several challenges:
• Uneven lighting failed to honor the cultural symbol of the city.
• Outdated technology prevented control over brightness or color.
• Non-invasive heritage requirements – all installation had to avoid any facade interference.
• Incompatibility with the existing city-wide lighting control system.
• High operational costs – from bulb replacements to renting RGBW systems for events.
The Solution
Datmolux (IQRF Alliance member) offered an elegant and smart solution that combined cutting-edge lighting with IQRF wireless communication:
• Next-gen LED RGBW reflectors enabling dynamic color scenes.
• IQRF mesh network – no need to lay new data cables.
• Full compatibility with the city's control system – one platform for all public lighting.
• Real-time responses, simple control of color and intensity via an intuitive app.
• Fully non-invasive installation, respectful of the historic building and heritage regulations.
Results & Benefits Aesthetics & City Image
• Even, scene-based lighting draws respect and attention from residents and tourists alike.
• Colors can reflect national, religious, and international events (e.g. national tricolor during the EU presidency).
Economy & Sustainability
• Power consumption reduced by 30% even with more lights (70 → 96).
• Over CZK 1 million saved annually by eliminating external RGBW rentals.
• Faster maintenance, fewer interventions and outages – all handled via the city’s dispatch center.
Technology & IQRF®
• No cables, no fees: The IQRF® mesh network operates wirelessly in sub-GHz ISM bands, safely and reliably, without monthly or data transmission fees.
• AES-128 encryption: All data is protected by AES-128 and advanced security mechanisms.
• Real-time response: Immediate reaction allows scene and brightness adjustments live.
• Scalability: The system can be expanded to other landmarks or city areas – a single gateway can manage up to ~250 nodes.
Summary
The smart lighting project at Špilberk Castle is a prime example of how respect for history can meet modern technology. IQRF® played a key role in enabling a wireless, discreet, and highly functional infrastructure that preserves the character of the monument while delivering significant technical and economic benefits to the city of Brno.
Learn more at www.iqrfalliance.org
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